Extract from Thomas Jefferson to James Madison

[Philadelphia] Sep. 8. 93.

Hamilton is ill of the fever as is said. he had two physicians out at his house the night
before last. his family think him in danger, & he puts himself so by his excessive
alarm. he had been miserable several days before from a firm persuasion he should
catch it. a man as timid as he is on the water, as timid on horseback, as timid in
sickness, would be a phænomenon if the courage of which he has the reputation in military
occasions were genuine.